Chitosan enhances antimicrobial efficiency of ceftazidime against Burkholderia pseudomallei in an ex vivo skin model and cellular infections
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26668939
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105035494732
Journal Title
Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications (2026)
Suggested Citation
Thonglao N., Bunma C., Chonlatip Pipattanaboon, Sakawrat Kanthawong, Umaporn Yordpratum, Chantratita N., Chareonsudjai S. Chitosan enhances antimicrobial efficiency of ceftazidime against Burkholderia pseudomallei in an ex vivo skin model and cellular infections. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications (2026). doi:10.1016/j.carpta.2026.101114 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116303
Title
Chitosan enhances antimicrobial efficiency of ceftazidime against Burkholderia pseudomallei in an ex vivo skin model and cellular infections
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is a highly fatal tropical pathogen transmitted via skin inoculation, inhalation or ingestion. Its ability to persist intracellularly limits antibiotic efficacy and promotes relapses and chronic infection. This study investigated a combined chitosan with ceftazidime (CS/CAZ) to reduce skin inoculation and enhance intracellular eradication of B. pseudomallei using an ex vivo porcine skin model and human lung epithelial A549 cells. Biocompatible CS/CAZ concentration (1.25 mg mL-1 CS/1.00 µg mL-1 CAZ and 2.50 mg mL-1 CS/2.00 µg mL-1 CAZ) were compared with individual agents. The ex vivo porcine skin model demonstrated the complete eradication of B. pseudomallei by CS/CAZ at low inoculum levels (10 - 102 CFU) and significantly reduced bacterial adhesion at higher inocula (103-105 CFU), indicating a potential for topical antimicrobial application. In A549 cells, CS/CAZ markedly decreased B. pseudomallei adhesion and reduced intracellular bacterial loads by up to 3-6 logs units compared with individual treatments. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed effective intracellular eradication of B. pseudomallei in A549 cells. Our findings demonstrate that the CS/CAZ offers synergistic antimicrobial activity, preventing skin colonization and enhancing intracellular clearance of B. pseudomallei, supporting its potential as a topical and adjunctive therapeutic strategy.